07-02-2025
St. Edward's University says over $10M from donors going to School of Health Sciences
AUSTIN (KXAN) — Donors gave more than $10.3 million in one year to St. Edward's University in Austin, and the institution said most of that money will support the School of Health Sciences and enhance undergraduate scholarships and scientific research programs.
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The university said in a press release that the monetary support reflects 'increasing momentum to realize the goals of the St. Edward's University Strategic Plan 2027' and 'strengthens our commitment to the success of our students and to creating a more just world.'
St. Edward's shared details about some of the donations and what the money will go toward.
According to the release, more than $2 million was from longtime donor and former university trustee Patricia 'Pat' Munday.
Of that, $1.5 million will support the Bill and Patricia Munday Endowed Scholarship, which provides tuition assistance for up to 140 students each year, per the release. Part of the total donation will also go toward the Bill Munday Outstanding Business Student Endowed Scholarship.
St. Ed's said Munday and her late husband, Bill, are the most generous individual donors to St. Edward's, giving more than $50 million in total gifts.
The Ladies of Charity of Austin awarded the university $1 million in the fall of 2024 to support the renovation of the new School of Health Sciences and its state-of-the-art instructional labs. The university said that investment will 'help St. Edward's address a critical industry need while equipping the next generation of leaders with the skills, expertise and ethical foundation necessary to shape the future of healthcare.' The university named The Ladies of Charity of Austin Women, Children and Family Suite in the charity's honor.
Kathleen Wilburn, who the university referred to as an esteemed faculty member and continuing benefactor, pledged $1 million to support scholarships, five mission and student-focused initiatives, and an endowed professorship within The Bill Munday School of Business.
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The Welch Foundation, based in Houston, gave the university a $135,000 grant to fund faculty chemical research initiatives and provide hands-on laboratory experiences for students pursuing careers in chemistry. The university added that the Welch Foundation has given over $1.3 million to St. Edward's University since 1990.
A gift of more than $112,000 from Roger Thornton, who the university called a friend of the Wild Basin Creative Research Center at St. Edward's, will enhance staffing and environmental educational programs for young learners at Wild Basin, according to the release.
'We are deeply grateful for the continued generosity of our donors and their extraordinary investments in our students and faculty. This funding plays a pivotal role in advancing our commitment to academic excellence and research innovation while further strengthening our university's role as a collaborative partner in the Austin community.
With these transformative contributions, we are able to enhance our academic programs, further our commitment to sustainability and enrich the lives of our students.'
St. Edward's University President Montserrat Fuentes
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